Market Linkage Specialist

Job Title: Market Linkage Specialist Location: Patna, Bihar About Palladium: Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies, and, most importantly, people's lives. Project Overview: This role is part of a national initiative aimed at enhancing the productivity, sustainability, and profitability of aquaculture systems in Bihar. The project supports smallholder fish farmers, hatchery operators, and producer groups with improved production technologies, seed systems, and access to more reliable and remunerative markets. A key component of the project is developing and strengthening inclusive and resilient market linkages across the aquaculture value chain Position Summary: The Market Linkage Specialist will lead efforts to strengthen the marketing and value chain of fisheries in Bihar. This includes identifying market opportunities, establishing linkages between producers and buyers, improving post-harvest handling and logistics, and supporting the development of aquaculture producer groups and cooperatives. The role involves significant engagement with private sector actors, cooperatives, traders, processors, and government institutions to enhance market access and incomes for aquaculture stakeholders. Key Responsibilities: Conduct market and supply chain mapping to identify current value chain dynamics, market gaps, and high-potential opportunities in aquaculture (fish and shrimp). Map actors across the aquaculture value chain and develop strategies to link smallholder farmers with high-value and stable markets. Facilitate partnerships with aggregators, processors, retailers, exporters, and institutional buyers. Support the development and strengthening of farmer producer organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, and self-help groups for collective marketing. Design and implement market-led training programs on quality standards, grading, pricing, logistics, and contract negotiation. Introduce or improve digital tools and platforms for market intelligence, traceability, and e- commerce in aquaculture. Promote sustainable and gender-sensitive market systems that improve income security for small holder producers. Support cold chain development, transportation solutions, and post-harvest infrastructure planning. Monitor, document, and report on market linkage interventions and outcomes. Work collaboratively with the production, seed, and policy teams to align market strategies with upstream activities. Qualifications: Education:- Master’s degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Marketing, Rural Development, Fisheries Economics, or a related field. Experience:- At least 10 years of relevant experience in market linkage, agribusiness development, or value chain strengthening, ideally in aquaculture or fisheries industry. Demonstrated success in linking small-holder producers to local, regional, or export markets. Experience working with FPOs, cooperatives, private sector companies, and government schemes (e.g., PMMSY, NABARD). Skills and Competencies:- Strong knowledge of aquaculture value chains, especially post-harvest, trading, and retail dynamics. Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and partnership-building skills. Familiarity with market-based approaches to development, including inclusive business models. Strong communication skills in Hindi and English and preferably work experience in Bihar. Proficiency in digital tools for market access and mobile-based platforms is an asset. Willingness to travel frequently to project locations. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status. Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss. Safeguarding: We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process. Disclaimer: Palladium operates a rigorous, multi-stage selection process for all vacancies. Submission of an application does not guarantee advancement at any stage, the receipt of an offer, or onboarding to the specified role.